Your DMV Smog Check Renewal Notice

Most vehicles in California are required to pass a Smog Check every two years for
registration renewal. Your DMV Registration Renewal Notice will indicate if your
vehicle needs a Smog Check. You may take your vehicle to any Smog Check station,
unless it requires a Smog Check at a STAR station.

Where do I get a Smog Check?

Click on one of the images below to search for a Smog Check station near you:

My Registration Renewal Notice looks like this one:

"SMOG CERTIFICATION REQUIRED"

My Registration Renewal Notice looks like this one:

"SMOG CERTIFICATION REQUIRED AT A STAR STATION"

What should I take to the Smog Check station?

If you are renewing your registration, you only need to take your vehicle, your
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Registration Renewal Notice, and a method of
payment for the Smog Check.

What happens during a Smog Check?

While performing a Smog Check, the licensed inspector will connect testing equipment
to your vehicle. This equipment is connected to computers at the Bureau of Automotive
Repair (BAR).

If the vehicle passes the test, the vehicle information and test results are electronically
transmitted to the DMV. The staff at the Smog Check station will provide you with
a receipt and a copy of the test results, known as a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR).

What do I do next?

If your vehicle passes Smog Check, you may continue your vehicle registration with
the DMV. Although test results are submitted electronically to the DMV, it's a good
idea retain your VIR paperwork in case the electronic transmission was not received
by the DMV.

If your vehicle fails a Smog Check, you have several options to meet your Smog Check
obligations.

You can:

Have it diagnosed and repaired at a licensed repair facility

If you choose to have your vehicle diagnosed and repaired, keep in mind that all
emission-related repairs to correct a smog test failure must be performed by a licensed
Smog Check repair technician at a licensed Smog Check repair station.

After repairs are completed, you may have your vehicle re-tested at any Smog Check
station. If your vehicle requires an inspection at a STAR station, you must have
your vehicle re-tested at a STAR station.